Chandra Bhattacharjee explores intersections of reality and imagination in Dhaka solo exhibition
Photo Collected
Kolkata-based artist Chandra Bhattacharya has launched his debut solo exhibition in Dhaka, titled “Shakkhi O Kalponar Majhe,” at Gallery Kaya in Uttara. The collection explores the intersection of “witnessing”—the documentation of stark reality—and the “imagination” that transcends it, offering a contemplative look at the human experience.
Standard Chartered Bangladesh CEO Naser Ezaz Bijoy inaugurated the exhibition on Friday evening, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to fostering the arts as part of its broader social responsibility.
বিজ্ঞাপন
Goutam Chakraborty, director of Gallery Kaya, noted that Bhattacharya’s work defies traditional expectations of watercolor painting. He described the artist’s approach as a meticulous distillation of societal observations and collective consciousness, presented through a distinct aesthetic. With a restrained color palette that often leans toward monochrome, the works evoke a sense of distant resonance, highlighting the stories of overlooked individuals and the overlooked details of daily life.
For Bhattacharya, this exhibition marks his first solo showcase in Dhaka following several successful group presentations. Addressing his creative process, the artist remarked that he prefers his works to speak for themselves rather than relying on explicit explanation. His pieces provide a poignant critique of modern consumerism, environmental degradation, and the societal neglect of marginalized communities. By painting his subjects in grand, imposing scales, he forces the viewer to confront the figures of the working class directly.
বিজ্ঞাপন
The exhibition features 32 recent works, including four large-scale charcoal portraits of marginalized people—men and women carrying bundles or resting on sidewalks. The remaining works, primarily watercolors, depict nature with a sharp, realist clarity. These pieces capture fallen branches, shedding leaves, and solitary herons, rendered with a technical precision that challenges the viewer to categorize the medium.
A defining characteristic of the collection is its mastery of light and shadow. In the larger pieces, Bhattacharya introduces vivid specks of orange and yellow against grey, atmospheric backgrounds to create a sense of poetic tension. His smaller works utilize monochromatic depth to evoke the mystery of a forest at night, reminiscent of a beam of light cutting through thick darkness.
The technical execution of these watercolors is particularly striking; many observers may struggle to identify the medium, as the fine, layered brushwork mimics the texture of etchings. This high level of detail suggests a profound investment of time, patience, and technical rigor, distinguishing Bhattacharya’s work from conventional watercolor techniques.
The exhibition remains open to the public daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and will continue through July 21.
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